Reclining chair with foot and leg rest

ABSTRACT

An actuator assembly is provided for use with a chair to actuate movement of the chair leg rest in response to recline of the backrest. The backrest drives translational motion of an actuator rod that is pivotingly connected at its upper end to the backrest. The rod passes through a linear slide bearing block that is pivotingly connected to the rear end of the seat. The rod is connected at its lower end to a linkage mechanism that actuates movement of the leg rest. The pivot point for the slide bearing block is off-center or offset relative to a central location thereof. This offset pivot connection produces an asymmetrical pivoting action in the slide bearing block. Each side of the chair is equipped with an identical arrangement of actuating-related components to provide a stable system.

CONTINUATION DATA

This application hereby claims the benefit under Title 35, United StatesCodes § 119(e) of any U.S. application Ser. No. 60/526,789 filed Dec. 1,2003, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to chairs and similar furniture, and, moreparticularly, to an improved reclinable chair having a foot and legrest.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional arrangements for actuating movement of leg rests in chairsinclude a scissor-type mechanism. Notable deficiencies of thisscissor-type configuration include multiple bearing points, the lack ofa facility to lubricate the scissor links at the joints, and itssusceptibility to collapse. Additionally, the mechanism is marked byinstability that may cause the user to experience a tendency to beshifted or tilted to one side of the chair or the other. Moreover, achair incorporating such a mechanism is typically characterized by aside-to-side wobble or other such undesirable movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an actuatorassembly for use with a chair to actuate movement of the chair leg restin response to recline of the backrest. The backrest drivestranslational motion of an actuator rod that is pivotingly connected atits upper end to the backrest. The rod passes through a linear slidebearing block that is pivotingly connected to the rear end of the seat.The rod is connected at its lower end to a linkage mechanism thatactuates movement of the leg rest. The pivot point for the slide bearingblock is off-center or offset relative to a central location thereof.This offset pivot connection produces an asymmetrical pivoting action inthe slide bearing block. The block serves as a moving, floating fulcrumthat follows its own independent arc of motion in response to a cam-likefrictional urging that takes place as the rod travels through thebearing space formed in the block. Each side of the chair is equippedwith an identical arrangement of actuating-related components to providea stable system.

One advantage of the present invention is that the invention replacesthe scissor-type mechanism otherwise used in conventional chairarrangements, while improving upon the stability and ease of use of thechair.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the invention enablesthe construction of a highly stable, body balanced recliner.

Another advantage of the invention is that the underside of the chairhas now been freed of the arrangement of scissor links found inconventional chairs, since the invention employs an actuator assemblyconfigured at the back of the chair.

A further advantage of the invention is that the invention employs thebackrest as the driver unit to initiate, impart, and otherwise controlthe recline activity.

Another advantage of the invention is that the invention employs anactuator assembly that offers an enhanced mechanical advantage due tothe configuration of parts, namely, the use of an actuating rod having avariable-length moment arm that powers displacement of a slide bearingblock.

Another advantage of the invention is that the slide bearing block isadapted to have an asymmetrical (e.g., offset or off-center) pivotpoint, such that the block effectively acts as a moving, floatingfulcrum that moves forward in response to progressive backrest reclineto assist in extension of the leg rest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of multiple embodiments of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-C show respective side views of a chair configured in differentillustrative and progressive states of recline and incorporating anapparatus for actuating a foot-leg rest, according to one form of theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective rearward view of the chair illustrated inFIGS. 1A-C;

FIG. 3 is a simplified free-body diagram showing in consecutiveprogressive relationship the position and orientation of the foot andleg rest actuator assembly of FIGS. 1A-C at different levels of recline;

FIGS. 4A-B show respective side views of a chair configured in differentillustrative progressive states of recline and incorporating anapparatus for actuating a foot-leg rest, according to another form ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the chair assembly shown in FIGS. 1 A-Cand FIG. 2, according to another form of the invention;

FIG. 6 is one simplified representative side view of the chair assemblyof FIGS. 1 A-C and FIG. 2 that depicts in sequential detail the mannerin which the chair is reconfigured as the reclining motion progresses;

FIG. 7 is another simplified, fragmentary representative side view ofthe chair assembly of FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2 that depicts in sequentialdetail the manner in which the chair is reconfigured as the recliningmotion progresses;

FIG. 8 shows a fragmentary sectional view of an optional lockingmechanism for use with the slide bearing block of the invention; and

FIG. 9 shows a fragmentary sectional view of an optional hold/clampmechanism for use with the slide bearing block of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrates at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, in oneform, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting thescope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1A-C, there isshown a series of lateral views of a chair 10 incorporating a foot andleg rest actuator assembly (generally illustrated at 12), according toone form of the invention. The views depict progressive levels ofrecline and corresponding extension of the leg rest. In particular, theviews depict the cooperating relationship of the parts of actuatorassembly 12 and chair 10 (and the corresponding changes in configurationand/or orientation) in different and progressive states of recline.

Reference should also be made to FIG. 2, which depicts a rear-sideperspective view of chair 10. It should be apparent that the componentsillustrated in FIGS. 1A-C are but one set of a pair of matchingcorresponding configurations each located at respective sides of chair10, as shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the same assembly of parts asshown in FIGS. 1A-C are also located in identical manner at the oppositeside of chair 10, as clearly evident in the view of FIG. 2.

The illustrated chair 10 includes, in conventional form, a seat cushion(seat panel) and seatboard combination 14, a backrest or panel 16, and afoot-leg rest or panel 18.

Chair 10 is generally considered a reclinable chair. In particular, asknown to those skilled in the art, the general reclining operation ofchair 10 involves a user sitting down in chair 10 at seat 14, and thenleaning backwards against a forward portion of backrest 16 to a degreesufficient to reposition leg rest 18 to a desired location amenable toresting the feet and/or legs thereon. The reclining motion actuatesmovement leg rest 18. According to the invention, actuator 12constitutes the mechanism for actuating controlled movement of leg rest18 in response to (and commensurate with) the reclining activity. Legrest 18 is capable of movement between a fully retracted position to afully extended position and to all intermediate points therebetween.

The illustrated actuator assembly 12 (and related connecting parts)includes, in combination, a bracket, stanchion, or backrest driver 20; ahinge or pivot connection 22; a translatable actuating bar or rod 24(having upper end 26 and lower end 32); a pivotable slide block, linearblock, and/or bearing block 28; a hinge or pivot connection 30; a pivotconnection 34; and a linkage assembly 36.

The illustrated bearing block 28 is a suitable device having an annularpassageway formed therethrough to slidingly receive, carry, andotherwise support rod 24 that extends therethrough. Bearing block 28 ispivotingly attached to seat 14 (e.g., the seatboard) by hinge or pivotconnection 30, which is secured to seat 14 in a known manner.

According to one preferred aspect of the invention, the attachment pointbetween bearing block 28 and hinge 30 is off-center or offset relativeto the center of bearing block 28. In this manner, bearing block 28 actsas a pivotable floating fulcrum that is capable of movement in its ownindependent arc during operation. In particular, as discussed further,as rod 24 slides or passes through bearing block 28 during reclining ofbackrest 16, the interfering frictional contact or relative slidingmotion between rod 24 and bearing block 28 initiates and then continuesto impart a cam-like action to bearing block 28 (but without an actualcam device). In response, bearing block 28 undergoes an angular,rotational, and/or arcuate pivoting motion that further actuatesextension and relocation of footrest 18. The off-center hinge pointfeature of the pivoting fulcrum (i.e., bearing block 28) acts to changethe center of motion of bearing block 28 to thereby amplify its motion.

The illustrated actuating rod 24 is pivotingly connected at the terminusof its upper end 26 to hinged attachment 22 located on operationallyfixed bracket support or stanchion 20. This joint between stanchion 20and one terminal end of rod 24 constitutes an articulating connectiontherebetween. Stanchion 20 is fixedly secured to a rear-side portion ofbackrest 16. The location of stanchion 20 along the vertical length ofbackrest 16 may be selectably chosen during assembly to accommodatedifferent types of recline-induced driving activity, namely, tofacilitate a different powering or driving influence exerted by backrest16 on rod 24 (via stanchion 20) as the seatback is reclined. Differentheight levels for stanchion 20 will require different appropriatelengths for elongate rod 24 according to the particular geometry of theassembled interconnections.

The illustrated actuating rod 24 is pivotingly connected at the terminusof its lower end 32 to hinged attachment point 34, which serves tocouple actuator 12 to the footrest linkage mechanism 36. As shown, rod24 passes through an appropriate passageway formed in the body ofbearing block 28.

The illustrated backrest 16 is preferably attached in hinging manner toseat 14 by an appropriate pivoting connection 50 located at a suitableposition to facilitate a reclining or pivoting movement of seatback 16relative to seat 14 about the axis formed through pivoting connection 50(orthogonal to the drawing).

The illustrated linkage mechanism 36 includes, in combination, a legrest rod 38; a vertical bar 40; and hinge or pivoting connection 42. Inone form, the entire arrangement of parts constituting mechanism 36 atboth sides of chair 10 may be considered a 4-bar linkage.

The illustrated leg rest rod 38 is connected at one end to actuator rod26 (via articulating pivot connection 36) and connected at another endto leg rest 18 (via pivoting connection 42). Accordingly, actuator rod26 and leg rest rod 38 can pivot relative to one another, while leg rest18 and leg rest rod 38 can pivot relative to one another. As shown, legrest 18 is also pivotably connected to seat 14 by hinge or pivotingattachment 44, which is secured to the underside of the seatboard, forexample.

The illustrated vertical bar 40 depends downwardly from seat 14 at anunderside thereof in suspension-type fashion. In particular, verticalbar 40 is pivotably connected at one end to the underside of seat 14 bya suitable hinge or pivoting attachment 46. Bar 40 is pivotingly securedto leg rest rod 38 at a lower end thereof. In one preferred feature, legrest rod 38 can be attached to vertical bar 40 at any point along thelength of bar 40 (as shown by the various attachment holes). In thismanner, the range of elevation or height capable of being reached by legrest 18 can be adjusted. In effect, the throw-out or degree of extensionof leg rest 18 can be adjusted by changes in the connection pointbetween leg rest rod 38 and vertical bar 40 along the length thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-C, there is shownin FIG. 3 an exaggerated simplified free-body diagram of certaincomponents of chair 10, actuator assembly 12, and linkage mechanism 36to illustrate the motion activity that occurs during operation, namely,seatback recline. In particular, FIG. 3 progressively depicts, in anillustrative manner, several consecutive arrangements of the indicatedcomponents at different levels of recline, namely, as the seatback 16 isreclined relative to seat 14.

For purposes of simplicity, not every element from FIGS. 1A-C is shownin FIG. 3. For example, throughout the several positions, it should beapparent that leg rest 18 remains pivotably connected to seat 14 by acommon hinge member. Only the lower end of actuator rod 24 is shown.

During operation, as a user seated in chair 10 exerts sufficientrearward force against the forward portion of backrest 16 (e.g., theuser leans back), the backrest 16 will begin to pivot relative to seat14. FIG. 1A, for example, may be considered to show a pre-recline state(i.e., backrest 16 fully forward) or an incipient recline condition.

As backrest 16 displaces rearwardly, this action induces a linearslide-type translation of actuating rod 24 through slide bearing block28. The upper end 26 of actuating rod 24 effectively serves andotherwise constitutes a moment arm whose length changes as backrest 16progresses through its recline. In particular, the distance between theend of actuating rod 24 (i.e., the terminus located at the hingedattachment to backrest driver 20) and an imaginary line through thepivoting fulcrum (i.e., bearing block 28) changes during recline,namely, the distance shortens. In effect, the invention provides amoving moment arm that changes in length as the backrest reclines.

Referring to FIG. 3, the progressive states of extension of leg rest 18(due to increased recline of backrest 16) are accompanied by theillustrated increases in the length of the lower end of actuating rod24, which follows from the progressive shortening of the moment arm atthe upper end of actuating rod 24.

FIG. 3 also illustratively depicts the range of arcuate pivoting motionof slide block 28 in response to the cam-like driving or urginginfluence of actuating rod 24 as rod 24 travels through block 28 duringrecline operation. The arc or curve 60 generally defines a trace of themovement of a center point of slide block 28 as block 28 progressivelymoves/pivots through the indicated positions. According to anotherfeature of the invention, the asymmetric attachment of slide block 28 toits pivoting connection 30 (i.e., the offset or off-center pivotingrelationship) facilitates a type of pivoting movement that pivots block28 forward and toward the underside of seat 14 in a manner thatfavorably urges, assists and otherwise produces the action needed toextend leg rest 18. At the full end of its travel, it may be consideredthat slide block 28 occupies a generally horizontal position. In someapplications, by suitable adjustment of leg rest rod 38 to vertical bar40, it may be possible to create a configuration that allows slide block28 to travel past a horizontal plane.

FIG. 1B shows an intermediate position for the extension of leg rest 18.FIG. 1 C may be considered to correspond to a state of full extension ofleg rest 18, which corresponds to a state of full recline of backrest16.

Referring again to the operation of chair 10, once recline has begun andthereafter continues, the shortening of the moment arm (upper end 26 ofactuator rod 24) causes a corresponding lengthening of the lower end 32of actuator rod 24. In turn, the downward translational movement ofactuator rod 24 induces a forward and upward displacement of leg restrod 38. The horizontal orientation of leg rest rod 38 is maintained byvertical rod 40, which pivots/swings forward and upward as the leg restrod 38 is urged forward.

The forward displacement of leg rest rod 38 urges leg rest 18 to pivotabout hinge attachment 44, thereby elevating and raising leg rest 18into a desired position. The recline operation continues until a desiredbackrest position and/or leg rest position is attained. The oppositeseries of events occur to withdraw/retract the leg rest and return thebackrest to a more forward position, i.e., pivot forward. It should beapparent that the actuating rod 24 may be seen to slidingly reciprocatethrough slide block 28 as the chair configuration alternates betweenfull recline and a fully upright condition.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-B, there is shown a series of lateral views of achair 100 incorporating a foot and leg rest actuator assembly (generallyillustrated at 120), according to another form of the invention. Theviews depict progressive levels of recline and corresponding extensionof the leg rest.

Chair 100 and actuator assembly 120 are similar in all substantialrespects (operationally, configuration-wise and structurally) to chair10 and actuator 12, respectively, of FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2. However,chair 100 does not have a pivoting connection between the backrest andseat; the backrest is attached to the chair structure by other suitablemeans. Additionally, actuator rod 24 is coupled at its upper end to afixed pivot or fixed bearing block 102.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded view of the chairassembly depicted in FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2, according to another form ofthe invention.

FIG. 6 shows one simplified representative side view of the chairassembly of FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2, which depicts in sequential detailthe manner in which the chair is reconfigured as the reclining motionprogresses.

FIG. 7 is another simplified, fragmentary representative side view ofthe chair assembly of FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2, which depicts in sequentialdetail the manner in which the chair is reconfigured as the recliningmotion progresses.

Various optional features may be added. For example, compressiblesprings 27 may be disposed about the actuator rods 24, such as at theupper ends between the slide block 28 and pivoting attachment to thebackrest 16.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there are shown fragmentary sectional viewsof optional locking and/or clamping mechanisms applied to the slidebearing block. FIG. 8 depicts a mechanism 104 having a selectablelocking feature that applies a lock to the sliding bearing block 28 bygripping actuator rod 24 to thereby prevent relative movement betweenthe slide block 28 and seatboard 14, e.g., to prevent further movementof backrest/leg rest once a certain recline position is reached. FIG. 9shows a slide block hold/clamp mechanism 104.

A further optional feature involves the use of a mechanism to enable theuser to adjust the balance points of the chair. For example, a camfriction lock can be incorporated into the pivot on the backrest whereit joins to the seat. This frictional joint, such as a conventionalknuckle device, is adapted to provide some degree of resistance at thepivot/hinge connection between the seatboard and backrest. In thismanner, a forward-biased resistance is offered that prevents the userfrom “slamming” back when seating. It may be considered that thisfeature also allows the user to more readily “tune” adjustment of therecline position.

The invention possesses several advantageous features. For example, theinvention employs a sliding bearing block that serves as a pivotingfulcrum having an offset or off-center (e.g., asymmetrical) pivot pointattachment to the seatboard.

Further, the invention employs a separate set of arms (i.e., the pair ofactuating rods or bars) that are located anywhere up and down in back(i.e., behind the backrest) to create respective first moment arms thatare movable and of variable length. This feature allows the manufacturerto tailor the motion, namely, by adjusting the vertical position of thefixed bearing block or backrest driver where the upper end of theactuating rod terminates. Accordingly, different types of recline-typedriving influence/activity can be exerted to induce leg rest extension;for example, fast, slow, or powerful extension of the leg rest. Thisadjustment of the location of the fixed bearing block or backrest driveris easily accommodated by the appropriate increase or decrease inactuator rod length.

Additionally, adjustment of the connection point between the leg restactuating rod and the vertical bar suspended from underneath theseatboard gives a greater or lesser lift to the footrest, depending uponthe point of attachment along the length of the vertical bar. Thisfeature enables variable elevation ranges for the leg rest.

In the invention, the backrest triggers and controls recline. In oneform, it may be considered that the fixed bearing block on the backrest(e.g., backrest driver) articulates the actuator rod through the slidebearing block located proximal (e.g., intimately near) the bottom of theseatboard. Additionally, it may be considered that the actuator rodarticulates and pushes the leg rest rod attached to the rear of thefootrest.

The invention also provides a body balanced recliner. In particular, theleg rest can power the backrest; no levers are needed to set the degreeof recline. By comparison, in conventional chairs, there is typicallyneeded (1) a lever bar adapted to control the chair being moved from aseating to recline position or in between, or (2) a stop latch, catch orpin that is activated to allow the chair to simply move. In theinvention, the user can set the balance points so that their body motioncontrols recline. For example, as the user sits in the chair and leansback to initiate recline and corresponding leg rest extension, the chairis caused to recline in a manner (e.g., fast or slow) and degree (e.g.,amount of extension) that is in proportional and commensurate responseto their weight, i.e., based upon their upper body mass. As evident fromFIG. 2, the opposing symmetrical placement of the pair of actuatorarrangements at respective sides of the chair provides a very stableconfiguration. Return of the chair to the vertical or upright positioncan be simply actuated, for example, by pressing down on the leg rest.

The invention may be applicable to any chair article. For example, theinvention may be used in a stand-alone chair or a chair that constitutespart of another piece of integrated, compound or sectional furniture,such as a couch or sofa that includes the reclining chair as one of itsunits.

Any suitable materials known to those skilled in the art may be used tofabricate and manufacture the various parts of the chair assembly. Forexample, the actuating rod may be made of aluminum, steel, wood, orplastic.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

1. A chair, comprising: a seat; a movable backrest coupled to the seat;a movable leg rest; a linkage mechanism to operatively actuate movementof the leg rest; an actuating rod pivotingly connected at one end to thebackrest at a rearward portion thereof and connected at another end tothe linkage mechanism; and a slide bearing device adapted to slidinglycarry and receive the actuating rod therethrough, the slide bearingdevice being pivotingly connected to the seat at an off-center locationof the slide bearing device to facilitate asymmetric operative pivotingthereof.
 2. The chair of claim 1, wherein backrest is pivotably coupledto the seat, the actuating rod and the linkage mechanism beinginterconnected with one another and the leg rest and the backrest beinginterconnected with one another in a manner such that a backward,reclining movement of the backrest simultaneously results in acontrolled movement of the leg rest toward a fully extended position. 3.The chair of claim 1, wherein the slide bearing device is configured asa pivotable floating fulcrum, the floating fulcrum being configured formoving in a forward direction toward the leg rest in response to areclining action of the backrest.
 4. The chair of claim 1, wherein theactuating rod displays a degree of interfering frictional contact withthe slide bearing device, the degree of interfering fractional contactthereby imparting cam movement to the slide bearing device duringoperation.
 5. The chair of claim 4, wherein the slide bearing device isthereby configured for at least one of an angular, rotational, andarcuate pivoting motion during operation to thereby further actuateextension and relocation of the leg rest.
 6. The chair of claim 1,wherein the actuating rod is pivotably connected to the backrest via abackrest stanchion.
 7. The chair of claim 1, wherein the linkagemechanism includes a leg rest rod, the leg rest rod being pivotablyconnected at opposing ends thereof to the leg rest and the actuatingrod, respectively, the leg rest being further pivotably attached to theseat.
 8. The chair of claim 7, wherein the linkage mechanism furtherincludes a vertical bar, the vertical bar being pivotably connected atopposing ends thereof to the leg rest rod and the seat, respectively. 9.The chair of claim 8, wherein the vertical bar is adjustably mountedrelative along a length of the leg rest bar, a positioning of thevertical bar relative to the leg rest bar thereby resulting in anadjustment in a range of at least one of a height and a degree ofextension achievable with the leg rest.
 10. The chair of claim 1,wherein the actuating rod includes a variable upper rod portion and avariable lower rod portion, the variable upper rod portion extendingupwardly from the slide bearing device toward a pivot connection withthe backrest, the variable lower rod portion extending downwardly fromthe slide bearing device toward a connection with the linkage mechanism,the variable upper rod portion having a corresponding variable upperportion length, the variable lower rod portion having a correspondingvariable lower portion length, the actuating rod being mounted such thatthe variable upper portion length decreases and the variable lowerportion length increases upon reclining of the backrest.
 11. A chair,comprising: a seat; a movable backrest movable relative to the seat; amovable leg rest pivotably coupled to the seat; a linkage mechanismconfigured for operatively actuating movement of the leg rest; anactuating rod pivotingly coupled at one end thereof to the backrest andpivotably connected at another end thereof to the linkage mechanism; anda slide bearing device adapted to slidingly carry and receive theactuating rod therethrough, the slide bearing device being pivotinglyconnected to the seat at an off-center location of the slide bearingdevice to facilitate asymmetric operative pivoting thereof.
 12. Thechair of claim 11, wherein the backrest is pivotably coupled to at leastone of the actuating rod and the seat.
 13. The chair of claim 12,wherein the backrest is pivotably coupled to both the actuating rod andthe seat.
 14. The chair of claim 12, wherein the backrest is pivotablycoupled to the actuating rod.
 15. The chair of claim 11, furthercomprising a lock mechanism operatively associated with the slidebearing device, the lock mechanism being configured for selectivelypreventing relative movement between the seat and the slide bearingdevice.